Learn About the Lakefront and Harbor Ecosystems On-Site at "The Harbor Classroom" at 31st St.

6/14/2013

School is in this summer at “The Harbor Classroom,” an interactive installation of desks promoting awareness of Chicago’s lakefront and harbor ecosystems through reading and contemplation at 31st St. Harbor, on view during park hours, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m., tomorrow through Labor Day, Sept. 2.

This “classroom” is open to the public and is comprised of 28 desks salvaged from the 1970s anchored on the lawn. Books and resource materials will be attached to the desk drawers. The public is invited to drop in at the site and flip through a variety of materials that address such themes as water quality, LEED construction, biology, boating tips, birds, insects, weather, recycling, green applications, natural history, and more.

Students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago will paint the theme topics on the desk tops opening day.

The interactive learning piece is a key component of the Illinois Clean Marina Program for Chicago harbors and celebrates 31st St. Harbor as Illinois’ first “Certified Clean Marina.” Chicago is providing leadership in best marina and boater practices for northeast Illinois that can be expanded statewide and throughout the Great Lakes region.

Instagram and Tweet @chicaogparks your photos of “The Harbor Classroom” and remember to add the #TheHarborClassroom to your updates.

“The Harbor Classroom” was made possible by a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Illinois Clean Marina Program is a collaborative effort of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Chicago Park District, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Friends of the Parks, Westrec Marinas, Chicago Yachting Association, Chicago Yacht Clubs, Crowley’s Yacht Yard, and Lincoln Park Advisory Council to promote and encourage voluntary adoption of measures to reduce pollution from marinas, boatyards, and recreational boats. The purpose is to ensure clean water to protect fish, plant and wildlife habitat.

The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks, to expand your horizons by registering for one of our thousands of programs offered throughout our 260 field houses, to get a great workout indoors at one of our state-of-the-art fitness centers, or outdoors along Lake Michigan’s 26 miles of pristine lakefront, or enjoy nature with a peaceful visit.